You have seen all the classic images of Norway. Of the Geiranger fjord, the Atlantic Road, the Lofoten Islands and the North Cape with its midnight sun. And you wonder: “What if I took my bike there? What if I let myself see all this in the best way possible, which of course is from a motorcycle?” Then you start worrying about everything from weather to costs, and in the end you dismiss the whole idea, even though you know you will regret that you didn’t follow your dreams.

Fortunately, you have stumbled upon this blog, which is here to tell you that it is far easier to experience Norway by bike than you perhaps imagined. Here you will find everything you need to know about how to ride Norway on a budget, where to go and what to see. You will read other riders’ experiences, learn who to contact if you have a bike breakdown, and even get advice on how to ride in Norway during the coldest depths of winter, if you are of the really adventurous type.

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If postings appears to be rare, it’s because I’m out there enjoying Norway in the most fantastic summer we’ve had since 1947.

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Let me correct that: The most fantastic summer since 1947 in the South of Norway. In the North, the weather is record-breaking miserable, although at time of writing this, it seems to clear up a bit.

Anyway: In the South, we’ve had a steady state of sun and warmth – real warmth – for some two consecutive months. Oslo has been the warmes capital in Europe for a while, and it’s so dry that there is a total ban on open fire everywhere. In the South, I mean. Up North, you can still light your barbeque, if you find that comforting.

This, of course, calls for adventures! There are plenty of bikes roaming the roads everywhere, and I hope some of you had the chance to experience this. I am, so if you find postings rare, it’s because I’m out there. In Hardanger, Fjorda, Stryn, Hornindal, Fiskevollen – boy, this is a summer to remember.

Prepare for six ferry crossings, but they are relatively short and with frequent departures in the summer season.

On your way to Bodø to catch the ferry to the Lofoten Islands, you need to ride the 700 km long Coastal Route, or Fv 17 as it will show up in the maps. It is one fantastic motorcycle road, and will get you to the sights of the Helgeland coastline. It has 6 ferries, and is doable in 3 days, although seasoned travellers recommends spending at least 5.

The Primus Rally. It’s one to tell the grandchildren about. Last weekend, the umpteenth (47th or something) edition was organized. Or rather: Not organized.

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That is the thing about the Primus Rally. People just turn up at the right spot at the right time every year. It’s not organized with party tents and beer etc (people bring it themselves), unlike the Dragon Rally or the Elefanten Treffen. What you bring is what you get. And for the regulars, this is exactly what they want. No fuzz, a lot of fun, new friends, and another story to tell. This year saw riders from many countries in Europe, and the attendance was pretty big for a somewhat standard year (e.g. no anniversary or anything), a guesstimation of some 150 bikes, give or take. Enjoy some of the images from a brilliant weekend (I only attended as a day tripper on Saturday, whereas some arrived as early as Wednesday). Enjoy the images – and seek out the Primus Rally Group on Facebook if you need info. They’re a helpful bunch.

When: Every last full weekend in February.Where:Fjorda at Bjoneroa in Oppland County, South-East Norway (some 1.5 hrs from Oslo).

A smaller, but nevertheless friendly and funny winter rally is the Agder Frost Rally. The rally is held in January, and should be visited by any discerning winter rider.

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The Agder Frost is not a big rally. A handful of riders, but nevertheless a long standing tradition and a lot of fun. Of course. Here are some images from this year’s Agder Frost, kindly provided by Sigmund Hornberg and Halvor Nyquist.

If you want to attend, you can find the organizers – or rather, the guys that usually go – on their Facebook page. You may have to ask to be accepted into the group, but that is only a minor formality. Ask you questions, and you will get all the info you need. The rally is usually held near Svenes, and is conveniently accessible from the ferry port of Kristiansand, from which it is some 70 kms to the rally site.

Baffle your audience with your insight into Norway trivia. Here are 20 ice-breakers to get the conversation started.

The length of the Norwegian coastline is 2nd only to Canada.

Even most Norwegians don’t know that parts of Northern Norway is further East than Istanbul. Or that more Norwegians than Canadians speak English. Armed with these 20 fun facts about Norway, you are ready to engage the domestic audience with your insight. Norwegians tend to be viewed as a bit introvert. But we aren’t, really. We’re just being polite by not disturbing you in any way, or wasting your precious time. A bit like the Finns. Until we’re partying, that is. In any case, these are good ice-breakers to get Norwegians to talk about other things than the weather. Good luck!

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Last weekend, the coolest bikers in Norway inaugurated 2018 with the traditional New Year’s Rally at Trollsvannet in Vestfold County. Next year, the rally has its 20th Anniversary. You want to be there – and it’s pretty easy to get there.

Halvor Nyquist (right) needed a tug to start his 1985 Moto Guzzi 850 T5 sidecar rig. The rig actually used to be mine, but Halvor bought it from me a couple of years ago. He came back home all right. (All images: Kyrre Hagen)

Norwegian Kyrre Hagen is an avid year round rider. He has kindly let RideNorway publish his images from the 2018 edition of the New Year’s Rally. As always it was held in the deep forests near Trollsvannet (“The Trolls Lake”), and even though the temperature crept down to -20C on Saturday, nobody complained. Sunny, crispy and fresh air. What more can you ask for, right? Some 25 riders, good mood, good food, plenty of drinks, and even a stroll in the nice weather. Bonfires, fireworks and a good laugh for all is guaranteed!

Next year the rally has its 20th Anniversary, and you can be there to take part in the celebrations! Start your planning now -it’s pretty accessible from most ferry ports in the South and South-Eastern parts of Norway. The closest port would be at Larvik. Color Line traffics the ferry route between Hirtshals (DK) and Larvik, which is only 46 km from the rally site. And the ferry trip itself is a short 3.5 hrs. Do not worry if you do not know anyone at the rally: The organizers and attendees are very accommodating, and they will take good care of you. Check out a couple of videos from earlier rallies here and here.

So you’re planning on doing a winter bike trip to Norway? You badass! Welcome! Here are the tips on how to prepare and where to go.

Winter motorcycle riding does not involve any magic tricks. Just some common sense and a few preparations. It’s a whole new world awaiting you out there!

Winter riding is – if not common, so at least not unusual among Norwegian riders. Judging by the attendance at our winter rallies, it’s quite popular also among riders from abroad. Brits, Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Belgians, French, Danes, Swedes, and more: They have all been here, and keep coming, to experience this wonderful world of winter riding. And some even to have a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

But where to go? How do I prepare? Where are the rallies? And when are they? Do not despair: RideNorway is here to help!

Firstly: If you’re new to this game, make sure you are all set to ride in the winter landscape. There are no magic tricks involved, just common sense – and a few preparations. You will find all the info you need right here.

Secondly: Here is a list of some of the best winter rallies in Norway, commencing in October and ending in February. Alas, you will be too late for two of them, but you can still make the others.

Norway is mostly about breathtaking landscape scenery, fjords and mountains. But there is more to this country than meets the ordinary tourist eye…

The Hessdalen Phenomenon: Strange lights that suddenly appears in the night sky, speeding along the valley ridge, and then disappearing into thin air. Veeeery strange indeed…

Because we also host Keiko the Orca’s grave (lead character in the movie “Free Willy”), the Hessdalen Phenomenon (some say it’s UFOs), a leprosy museum (500 years old) and the world’s steepest road tunnel (15.5% climb!). Check out the odder sides of Norway!